Michael Brennan (Progressive Democrats)

I thank Senators for their support. I regard public representatives as being close to welfare issues because of their work. I learn a great deal from listening to such debates. I thank the Senators for the constructive debate we had on this Bill. Between us we got the legislation through expeditiously and I want to acknowledge that we learned something in the process.

This Social Welfare Bill is historic for one main reason, namely, that apart from the huge increases in rates, it has a special €300 million social reform package at its heart. I am particularly proud of that. It will bring people to a better place. I hope to continue that in the year ahead with the support of the Senators. I want to say a special word of thanks to the Acting Chairman and the staff in the Seanad. I wish them all a happy Christmas and new year.

Turning to my own staff and those in the Department of Social and Family Affairs, I am surprised we are all still even talking to each other because we have had a hectic few weeks with the budget, consolidation Bills, this Bill within a week of the budget being passed and preparation for the February Social Welfare Bill. There is no unemployment at the Department of Social and Family Affairs. We are blessed to have such very fine public officials who got us to this point today. I thank them all and wish them a happy Christmas.